Glasgow Green

Glasgow Green

The Green is by far the oldest of the city's parks. It is situated within walking distance of the city centre east of the Saltmarket. It is currently undergoing a renaissance with major investment through the Lottery Heritage Fund providing a catalyst for the redevelopment of the local neighbourhood.

Location Glasgow Green is located at Greendykes St at The Saltmarket Glasgow G1 5DB

Opening Times The park is open at all times, specific facilities may vary, contact the appropriate facilities for further details. Quick Links Facilities, History, Travel, Contact DetailsSize 55 Hectares (136 Acres)

The Doulton Fountain was moved to the Green in 1890 after the 1888 International Exhibition in Kelvingrove. Having undergone a £5m refurbishment the fountain has been relocated to the front of the People's Palace.

The naval victories of Viscount Horatio Nelson are commemorated by the impressive grade A listed column erected by public subscription in 1806. This was the first monument in Britain to be erected in his honour.

There are several notable monuments around the Green including:

The Collins Fountain erected in 1881 by the temperance supporters of Sir William Collins.

The impressive McLennan Arch designed by Robert and James Adam. The arch is a remodelling of the centre of the piano nobile of Robert and James Adam's 1890 Assembly Rooms, Ingram Street, as a triumphal arch. The building was demolished - and the arch was subsequently resited twice - the most recent being in 1992.

Facilities

Play village (open 8.30am - Dusk)

Local play area (open 8.30am - Dusk)

Major City events space

Major footpaths and carriageways have lighting

Network of asphalt footpaths

Orienteering course - opens June 2004

Clyde viewing platforms

Heavy Horses - stabled and exercised daily within the park

Developments underway:

McPhun's Park - an area of horticultural excellence for quiet contemplation

The Green boasts a purpose built events space capable of holding major national and international events, all within walking distance of the city centre. These include:

World Pipe Band Championship

The Glasgow Show

Great Scottish Run

Annual Fireworks Display

National Play Day

Pop concerts, funfairs and local events such as rowing regattas and charity events

- this information is provided for the benefit of local residents, businesses and park users.

What's Next

An historical interpretation trail linking monuments and sculptures with the historical development of the Green is being developed and will eventually be supported by display boards and link with the People's Palace, Glasgow's museum of social history.

HistoryIn 1450, Bishop Turnbull gifted the common lands of Glasgow Green to the people of Glasgow. Initially it was used for washing, bleaching linen, grazing, drying fishing nets and for swimming.For centuries it functioned as the city's only green public open space. The park bears the thumbprint of many custodians and it was under their influences that the swampy flood plain crossed by the Camlachie Burn - in parts as wide as the Clyde - was converted into a levelled field/parkland.

Rangers Football Club

The Glasgow Green is commonly recognised as the birthplace of Glasgow Rangers who were formed in 1872 when members of a rowing club on the Green took a break from their training on the Clyde to watch a soccer game on the Flesher's Haugh and became fascinated with the new sport. Among the rowers were two brothers Peter and Moses McNeil, along with their friends William McBeath and Peter Campbell. The friends were so impressed with football that they decided to form their own team. It is believed that Moses McNeil suggested calling it 'Rangers' after seeing the name in an English rugby football annual.Rangers' first game was held in May of 1872 against Callander F.C. on the pitches at Flesher's Haugh, which resulted in a 0-0 draw. Rangers only played 2 matches in their first season, and their second match was a comprehensive 11-0 win over a team named Clyde - not the present Clyde F.C. Rangers played at Flesher's Haugh for three years before moving to their own ground, a field at Burnbank.Moses McNeil became Rangers' first-ever international when he was called up by Scotland to play against Wales in 1876. Moses also appeared in Rangers' first-ever Scottish Cup Final side in 1877 and he scored as his team went down 3-2 in a second replay with Vale of Leven.

Key Events on The Green

In recent centuries, events have taken place on the 'Green' that continue to touch the lives of millions worldwide. The following samples provide a taster:

1732 - The Washhouse, Glasgow's first 'steamie', is built in the middle of a field on the banks of the Camlachie Burn.

1745-46 - Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) arrives in Glasgow with his army, their clothing in tatters. Rather than have the city sacked, merchants provide them with new garments and a revitalised Prince Charles reviews his troops on Flesher's Haugh.

1831-32 - Massive demonstrations on the Green associated with the Reform Bill.

1830-1914 - The Green becomes a favoured meeting place of suffragettes.

1867 - Hundreds of thousands meet on the Green to hear about Gladstone's Reform Bill.

1888 - Sir Henry Doulton donates a terracotta fountain to the city. This is moved to the Green in 1890.

1889 - Templeton's Carpet Factory completed. The design of the façade is based on the Doges Palace in Venice. The façade collapses on 1st November 1889 killing 29 women and girls.

Train - Glasgow Green is approximately 25 min walking time from Central Station and Queen Street Station. High Street and Bellgrove Stations are approximately a 10 min walk.

Bus - Various routes operate from the city centre

Car - Car parking is currently being redeveloped within the Green at the front of the Peoples Palace, access will be from Green Street and Greendyke Street. On street parking is also available on Greendyke street and car parks are located at Molendinar Street and High Street.

Walking - Access on foot is available via

The Saltmarket at McLennan Arch

Greendyke Street, Monteith Row, Greenhead Street and Kings Drive

Adelphi Street via the St Andrews Suspension Bridge

Richmond Park via the Polmadie Bridge.

Cycling - The park forms part of the Glasgow to Edinburgh Cycle Route, National Cycle Network Route 75.

Contact Details

Land and Environmental Services General EnquiriesPhone: 0141 287 5064E-mail les@glasgow.gov.uk